Program and Events Policies and Procedures

Training 

Programs:

Step 1. We will first share with you the Program Guidelines, depending on what program you prefer - Pioneer or Underground Railroad. Step 2. We will have you shadow a staff member or experienced volunteer to watch the program all the way through. Step 3. Lead a session within the program alongside the Assistant Director. Step 4. Go solo on a program while the Assistant Director observes.  

Tours:

We will provide you with a script to follow. Once you have a chance to study the content, we will walk through the tour with you or have you join a scheduled tour to watch how other guides walk through the stories. 

Events:

We often will not require any prior training as these are typically jobs relating to a special talent or interest that you have. Or are easy to pick up tasks related to the event, such as monitoring, cleaning, etc.

Attire

During your shift we want you to be comfortable. However, please be sure that your appearance is neat, clean and approachable.

It is preferred that you wear a Heritage Sylvania branded shirt for your shift. If you do not have a Heritage Sylvania shirt, either ask your supervisor, or you may wear a plain shirt or blouse. If wearing a t-shirt, we ask that it be plain with no other graphics.

Khaki’s or jeans are just fine to wear. If you’d like to wear shorts, please be sure they are an appropriate length. For footwear, we prefer that you wear something comfortable, such as sneakers, boots or sandals. You may be standing for an extended period of time or climbing stairs.

Prior to your shift, take note of the expected weather. You may be working outside in the hot or cold or within buildings without heat or air conditioning. Ask your supervisor what they recommend you wear for your shift, if you aren’t sure.

Please wear your name badge if you are interacting with the public.

**The Pioneer Program lends itself for costume interpretation. If you are working as a program demonstrator, it is preferred that you dress in costume. We can provide you with a costume if you do not have one of your own. Once we find one that fits, this will be your costume to borrow. You may take it home with you so that you have the same costume for every program. You may wash it regularly as needed. Please try to keep it in the best condition possible. If there is ever a problem with it such as a loose or missing button, let us know so we can exchange or mend it.

When in costume, please be sure that your clothes underneath cannot be seen, such as a t-shirt collar or pants sticking out from the bottom of a dress. Wear comfortable shoes preferably black or brown lace up shoes.**

Attendance

If you will not be able to attend your scheduled shift, we ask that you notify one of the directors as soon as possible to give us enough time to find a replacement. We completely understand that emergencies happen, but the sooner you can let us know about your expected absence, the better. For last minute emergencies, please call one of the directors to ensure they know as soon as possible. 

Conduct

Please keep in mind, as you are volunteering, you are a representative of Heritage Sylvania. We ask that you conduct yourself in a positive and professional manner when interacting with guests. Please avoid using any foul language, talking down on any person or business, or engaging in any conversations that are inappropriate, offensive or could spark debate. 

If you encounter a situation with a guest that makes you feel uncomfortable, please excuse yourself and find/call a director.

**To be fully inclusive, please refer to students with gender neutral language such as: Friends, Historians, Team, Little Humans, etc.**

Scheduling 

The program calendar once finalized will not change, this happens in March and September. After which any new programs/tours added will be communicated to all. Once the program/tour calendar is finalized Tristen will confirm your availability and which programs you would like to not be or cannot be a part of. The weekly program/tour schedule is then released a week prior to program/tour dates. 

Parking

The Cooke-Kuhlman House/Historical Village - Parking is located North of the Cooke-Kuhlman House between Madeline's Patisserie and Create Art Studio. On certain event days the streets may be closed and you will need to park in a separate lot and walk to the campus. You will be notified when those closures take place. 

The Lathrop House- Parking is across from St. Josephs Church in their East Campus Lot. The house is located at the back of this lot.